Character
The tour leads through the four large volcanic massifs of central France: through the highlands of the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal, the Monts Dore with the Puy de Sancy and to the Puy de Dôme on the southern edge of the Monts Dômes. The massifs make some demands on the cyclist's stamina. We tried to crank our way over the hills without too much effort.
Nevertheless, we always had around 1000 metres of elevation gain in our calves in the evening, and the steepest climbs were almost always in the double-digit range. The Auvergne requires stamina, a decent mountain gear ratio and a certain composure in the face of capricious weather. It offers routes in beguiling solitude on almost car-free country roads.
Best time to travel
As a rule, you can cycle from the beginning of May until October. Rain and summer thunderstorms are always to be expected. Info under http://www.meteofrance.com
Tour itinerary
Clermont-Ferrand (401 m) - Cournon - Pérignat - Vic-le-Comte - Issoire - Solignat - Dauzat - La Cabanne - Col de la Volpilière (1230 m) - Boutaresse - Col de Vestizoux (1317 m) - Anzatle- Luguet - Col de la Chanusclade (1279 m) - Pradiers - Allanche - Dienne - Puy Mary (Pas de Peyrol, 1588 m) - St. Cirgues - Col de la Croix de Cheules - Col de Légal (1231 m) - Salers - Recusset - Col de Néronne (1242 m) - le Falgoux - Col d'Aulac (1242 m) - Trizac - Riomès- Montagnes - Trémouille - St. Genès-Champespe - St. Donat - La-Tour-d'Auvergne - La Bourboule - Mont Dore (detour to the Puy de Sancy) - Col de Guéry (1268 m) - Orcival - Ceyssat - Col de Ceyssat (1078 m) - Clermont-Ferrand (1 week, approx. 400 km, approx. 7300 vertical metres, maximum gradient 14%)
Excursion tips
Puy Mary
From the Pas de Peyrol pass, walk approx. 200 metres to the summit. On a clear day, there is a panoramic view over the valleys formed by the Ice Age.
Puy de Sancy
Cycle along the tarmac forest road to the right of the main road from Mont-Dore to the cable car valley station. Take the cable car and then walk to the highest mountain in the Massif Central (1885 m).
Puy de Dôme (1465 m)
A small road winds its way up the "local mountain" of Clermont-Ferrand (Wed and Sun 7.00-8.30 exclusively for cyclists)
Arrival
By car: On the motorway via Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand. From Frankfurt/Main approx. 875 km, approx. 9 hours, toll: 35.50 euros.
By train: Via Paris (Gare de Lyon) in 3 1/2 hours to Clermont-Ferrand.
Accommodation
There are campsites in all larger villages and towns. If you rent a guest room (chambre d'hôtes), breakfast is also provided. Campsite from approx. 5 euros per night, depending on comfort. Double room with breakfast from approx. 40 euros.
Literature/Maps
Dumont travel paperback "Auvergne and Cevennes", 240 pages, 14.95 euros. Reise Know-How "Auvergne", 400 pages, 19.90 euros. Map from the Michelin Région series: Auvergne, Limousin, No. 522, 1:200,000 at 6.65 euros. IGN Régionale Routière: Auvergne, No. 13, 1:250,000 at 5.50 euros.
Bicycle shops
In Clermont-Ferrand: Décathlon, Zone commerciale la Pardieu, tel. 0473273614, http://www.decathlon.fr
In Cournon near Clermont Ferrand: Vélo Culture, Christian and Didier Boyer, 15, Avenue de la Liberté, tel. 0473848090, http://www.cultureveloboyer.com
Food
Auvergne is famous for cheese (e.g. Salers, Cantal, St. Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne), sausage and smoked ham. Typical local calorie bombs are pounti and truffade. The latter is made from a kind of mashed potato into which young Cantal or Salers cheese is stirred. This is then formed into a thick pancake and fried. Pounti is a kind of herb cake: Flour, eggs, bacon, onion, herbs and prunes make a delicious dish.
Information
ATOUT FRANCE, Zeppelinallee 37, 60325 Frankfurt/M., mailto:info.de@franceguide.com Tel. 0900 1 57 00 25, Fax 0900 1 59 90 61. http://www.franceguide.com (Regions, Auvergne: with general information), http://www.auvergne-velo.fr, http://www.auvergne-tourisme.info (Detailed information on cycling and travelling in the Auvergne.
